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For accuracy, what size thread should I use to connect my telegraph poles in OO/HO and N gauges?
Posted in: Model Railway
28th August 2023
To ensure accuracy and realism in connecting telegraph poles in OO/HO and N gauges of model railways, it is...
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What are the best adhesives to use with photo-etch parts?
Posted in: Assembling and gluing
2nd November 2022
There has been a trend in recent years for plastic kit manufacturers to create what are sometimes called...
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Why won’t my engine run after adding a 6 pin DCC decoder?
Posted in: Power and control
2nd December 2019
This is quite straight forward as there are no real instructions on fitting 6-pin decoder. If you find that your...
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How can I make metallic chain mail and weapons look better on my plastic figures?
Posted in: Painting
3rd December 2019
When trying to produce a metallic look to your figures rather than just adding a silver colour, try building up the...
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Can I create my own rock surfaces for my layout or diorama?
Posted in: Scenery
22nd December 2022
One of the most spectacular backdrops to any layout is a rocky gorge or another similar mountainous environment. The...
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How can you tell the complexity of a kit?

The complexity of a model kit can often be subjective depending on a modeller's experience and dexterity, so how can you tell if a particular kit is for you?

That is a very big question considering the sheer number and types of kit on the market. Some manufacturers such as Airfix and Revell offer a rating system on the box to suggest a modelling ability their kit is aimed at, but what about the rest?

If you are in a shop, you can always ask for a peek inside the box. If you're doing this, take note of the number of parts in the kit. If you don't like big or complex projects, the chances are you will not enjoy a 200-piece kit.

Once you have found a suitably sized project, pay particular attention to the size of the components in the kit. Although none of us like to admit it, the clock only ticks one way, so make sure that you are happy and capable of putting together the smaller parts. It's important to be honest with yourself at this point because the shopkeeper is probably not going to make any assumptions, and rightly so.

If you are shopping online, the task of identifying the complexity of a kit becomes more, well, complex! Most listings will give little away, concentrating more on the details and what's included, and an internet search for the product will likely only succeed in bringing up lots more listings, so you end up going round and round in circles.

If that frustration sounds familiar, try looking on YouTube for your answer. There are thousands of model reviews and unboxing videos out there as well as a generous library of tutorials. These are great for assessing a kit because even if the audio doesn't directly address your questions, the footage will certainly help you.

Finally, if you prefer your communication in a more traditional way, you can always chat to your local modelling club or phone your local model shop, both of which are always happy to help!

Posted in: Kit building

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